The new Mellow Mushroom at 18221 N. U.S. Highway 441 will open Monday after a long and winding effort to bring the eclectic eatery to the city.

"Finally," said longtime local banker Ken LaRoe, who partnered with his brother Mike LaRoe and local radiologist David Weyn on the project. "Truthfully, it goes back to 2006 when I sent a $10,000 check to Mellow Mushroom for a franchise."

The partners sidelined the project when the recession hit soon after and then had trouble securing financing for the restaurant when they decided to forge ahead a couple of years ago. Finally, Florida Traditions Bank in Dade City agreed to lend the trio money last year.

"We're contributing to the local economy and employing about 120 people to start," LaRoe said. "That number will probably go down after a while."

The nearly 5,000-square-foot restaurant is next to First Green Bank, which LaRoe founded and serves as chairman and CEO. It will seat roughly 220 diners and has an outside seating area with additional 1,100 square feet, he said. A disc golf course has been installed on the grounds as well.

"It's all been very positive, especially the feedback from the public," LaRoe said.

Known for its wide range of fresh ingredient pies, including Magical Mystery Pizza, Gourmet White and Kosmic Karma, along with calzones, hoagies and salads, the chain, now in its 40th year has more than 120 U.S. locations, including Orlando and Winter Park.

The eatery, decorated in a machine-shop theme utilizing items from the LaRoe family's longtime closed business Eustis, also will feature a large selection of craft, local and regional beers. It also has gluten-free and vegetarian options for diners.

LaRoe said his restaurant, like the other franchises, will focus on purchasing produce from local growers and farmers.

"We're pursuing local growers," he said. "We want to buy from people that live and work in the community."

The restaurant is located adjacent to the certified LEED — Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — Platinum First Green Bank. Likewise, the restaurant has been built with a focus on environmental sustainability as well, LaRoe said.

"We're the first Mellow Mushroom to have LEED certification," said LaRoe, known for his dedication to environmental causes. "We're hoping to get certified Silver, we'll find out soon." Platinum is the U.S. Green Building Council's top designation, followed by Gold, Silver and Certified.

Evergreen Construction Management of Leesburg built the restaurant, which boasts LED lighting, highly reflective roof and paving areas to prevent heat from being absorbed; and native species plantings requiring little watering

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday.